The Rise of Nationalism in Europe
This section examines the surge of nationalism in 19th century Europe, characterized by major political changes and social movements that shaped national identities. The period was marked by the significant influence of the French Revolution in 1789, which laid the foundation for collective identity and collective action among people.
Key Events and Figures
In 1848, French artist Frédéric Sorrieu envisioned a world of democratic republics in his prints, embodying the hopes of the people for liberty and nationalism. The ideas laid out by philosophers like Ernst Renan further contributed to the conceptualization of nations, defining them by shared history, culture, and communal aspirations rather than race or ethnicity.
Nationalism’s Manifestation
The rise of nationalism was evident in various revolutions and the formation of nation-states, primarily in regions like Germany and Italy. In contrast to the autocratic regimes that sought to suppress these movements, social changes were driven by diverse strata of the population, particularly the educated middle class.
Through figures like Giuseppe Mazzini in Italy and Otto von Bismarck in Germany, nationalism was both a vehicle for liberty and a mechanism of imperial ambition as the old monarchies struggled to maintain power amid rising demands for self-determination.
The section encapsulates the complex tapestry of nationalism in 19th century Europe: a force for unification against fragmented empires, a challenge to conservative rule, and a catalyst for the intertwined relationship between nationalism and imperialism.